Frequently Asked Questions: VRAP Extension

Please Note: VRAP Expired March 31, 2014

Frequently Asked Questions: VRAP Extension

Note: VRAP Expired March 31, 2014

What is VRAP?

As part of the Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) was created to provide unemployed veterans between the ages of 35-60 up to a year of education or training for jobs in a high-demand fields.

When does VRAP end?

Under current law, VRAP is set to expire March 31, 2014.

Can VRAP be extended?

Yes, earlier this Congress H.R. 562, the VRAP Extension Act of 2013, introduced by Chairman Jeff Miller, was rolled into H.R. 357. The bill would amend the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to extend VRAP from March 31, 2014 through May 31, 2014, allowing VRAP participants to finish out the traditional school semester. H.R. 357, as amended, has passed through the committee and is awaiting a full House vote.

What happens if H.R. 357, as amended, does not become law?

If the bill does not pass the House and Senate and is not signed by the President by March 31, 2014, the VRAP program will come to an end and veterans will not continue to receive VRAP benefits past that date.

What resources are available to help me finish my program once VRAP has ended?

There are a variety of avenues for veterans to receive federal aid and scholarships. Below are links to a couple of helpful resources. This is by no means a complete list.

Today Chairman Jeff Miller released the following statement after Rep. Phil Roe was elected by the Republican Steering Committee to serve as House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chairman for the 115th Congress.